Home >> Internet Games >> PS3 Games

How to Install Linux on a PS3 From a Memory Stick Pro Duo

When Sony introduced the PlayStation 3 (PS3), it included a feature that delighted hackers around the world: the ability to install your own operating system. Many users jumped at the chance to install Linux, a free and open-source operating system, onto the PS3. Ubuntu is a distribution of Linux known for its graphical interface and ease of installation. Ubuntu is so easy to set up that it's possible to install Ubuntu Linux on a PS3 from a Memory Stick Pro Duo.

Things You'll Need

Internet access
Otheros.self installation file
Ubuntu installation CD
Computer with memory stick reader and CD burner
Blank CD
Memory Stick Pro Duo

Instructions

- 1
  Download otheros.self from the PlayStation website (see Resources below). This is the "other OS" installation software from Sony. Save this to your computer's hard drive.
- 2
  Download a Linux distribution to install on your PS3. This example will use Ubuntu Linux. Get the latest release from its site in the Resources below.
- 3
  Burn the Ubuntu Linux CD image file to a CD with your CD burning software.
- 4
  Format the hard drive on your PlayStation and prepare it for the OS. Go to "Settings->System Settings." Choose the "Format Utility" and then "Hard Disk." Allocate at least 10 GB for your "other OS."
- 5
  Go back to your computer and plug in your memory stick. Create a directory on the memory stick called "PS3." Create a subdirectory in here called "otheros."
- 6
  Copy "otheros.self" to the "otheros" directory on your memory stick. Rename this file "otheros.bld."
- 7
  Eject the memory stick from your computer and insert it into the PS3.
- 8
  On the PS3, go tot the "Settings" menu and then choose "System Settings." Select "Install other OS." Insert your Ubuntu Linux CD into the PS3. Restart the system.
- 9
  Hit "Enter" on your keyboard when the Ubuntu boot menu comes up. Booting can take a long time on some systems.
- 10
  Go to "System-->Administration-->Services" on the Ubuntu desktop. You need to stop several of the processes because they interfere with the Ubuntu installation. Uncheck everything except the following programs: CPU frequency manager (powernowd), Graphical login manager (gdm) and System communication bus (dbus).
- 11
  Kill unneeded processes. Go to "System->Administration->System monitor." Click the "Processes" tab. Right-click on each process and select "Kill." The necessary processes will restart themselves. The others will die off.
- 12
  Click the "Install" icon on the desktop.
- 13
  Create an Ubuntu login account.
- 14
  When prompted by the system for the install location, select "Manual." Then pick the drive you formatted in Step 4. Follow the prompts to install Ubuntu on your PS3.
- 15
  Reboot when install is completed. Remove the Ubuntu CD from your PS3.

PS3 Games